Double C
 There may be a better name for it, but after having played around with it,, I doubt theres a better tuning. Ive learned or am learning  Spotted Pony, osldiers joy Boneparte Crossing Rhine, shaving...
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Alaska pick, Freedom pick
Someone asked me about Alaska picks, but I couldn't find the email address to send these photos. Hope this gets to you, Donna! I use nailclippers to trim them and boiling water and a wooden spoon...
View ArticleDouble/Drop Thumb technique problem
I'm just getting to learn the double and drop thumb techniques. I am using this rhythm outlined in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4DWcpYOQM0 Â as the first I learn with those techniques. I...
View ArticleBest nylgut or nylon strings for the money?
Edited! Who makes quality strings for a good prices?
View ArticleTOTW 7/27/2012: Valse des Poeles
Hi All, A few years ago Lisa Ornstein moved to Portland and I had the good fortune to meet her through a mutual friend.  Lisa is a fantastic fiddler and is well known in both the old time and...
View ArticleAcoustic Music Camp in Dallas 8/9 - 8/11
Is anybody else planning to go to the Acoustic Music Camp in Dallas August 9-11?
View ArticleLeft hand fingering beginner ?? and more!
I'm a beginner- started with Bluegrass style about 3 months ago and can play three beginner songs fairly well and am working on #4...  Not wanting to "limit" myself I picked up Erbsen's Clawhammer...
View ArticlePlayin in the String Band
You have asked many questions about playing in a stringband over the years. Here is a chance for a go at the real thing. August 9-11 We are doing it again!!! - Old Time Stringband Camp! SO, you want...
View Articleskype lessons
Hi All, I've been trying to avoid Skype lessons but my options are running out. This fellow has been posting information here, and I wanted to know if anyone has has used him or knows of him. I know...
View ArticleAlbany, NY
I'm visiting Albany, NY, for a week. 27 July 2012 - 3 Aug 2012. Anyone wanna get together and play some? Any jams happening? Bentley
View ArticleTubaphone is a hurtin' my shoulder
Well, I love the sound of the tubaphone tone ring on my openback, and I do need to stand when singing. But it's really starting to hurt my left shoulder. Most of the questions about straps for heavy...
View ArticleWhy is everyone down on tabulature
Hey All, Soooo..... why is everyone down on tab use? Also as a beginner, what is the best way /time to wean myself off of tablature? Thanks, Drew
View Articleseeger strum v clawhammer/frailing
hi guys, i'm gonna learn some tunes on the 5 string, 40yrs ago i learned pete seegers basic strum, and i'm sure with a bit of practice i could get it down sweet again, but is that the way to go? or...
View ArticleTunes in Triple C
Old Woodchuck, in another thread, mentioned playing more and more tunes in Triple C. I tried that out last night and had a bit of fun with it. It does require a good bit of up the neck playing....
View ArticleAre you only using two fingers for clawhammer?
Fast question before I start getting into bad form. When playing clawhammer, are you only using your thumb for the fifth string and then only the index for the notes while keeping your hand in the...
View ArticleLeft hang finger pain from pulls offs
Advice needed: I used to feel all sorts of strange pains in my right / frailing hand and fingers and thankfully once I learned how lightly one needs to actually hit the strings that is no longer a...
View ArticleNew article on my website: Why Playing Music is Like Time Travel
I have begun writing a series of articles on my website aimed at sharing some ideas about learning to play an instrument, performing and working in a band. I can't claim to have any vast set of...
View ArticleBack-Up rhythm tracks of Old-Time bands??
I am in Argentina and have no access to a fiddle player, guitarist or the like. Are their some CDs that have just back-up rhythm tracks that I can play along with and practice along with so it will...
View Articlebeginner, looking for tunes to play
hi all. i bought my first banjo, a prust tackhead, about three months ago. i'm hoping by the end of the summer to know enough tunes to play out at farmer's market and shops and the like. so i'm...
View ArticleTape on index finger
I know nail maintenance has been heavily discussed on the forum, but just wanted to tell people that I've gotten good results using clear 1/2" scotch tape to protect my frailing nail. I read about a...
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